Wave-Propelled Vehicle

ABSTRACT

A wave-propelled or fluid-propelled vehicle, having a body extending from a nose portion to a tail portion and having a middle portion disposed between the nose portion and the tail portion; and at least one interior thrust cavity formed within at least a portion of the body, wherein each interior thrust cavity extends from a cavity inlet aperture formed proximate the tail portion to a back wall. A cavity outlet aperture may optionally be associated with each thrust cavity, such that each cavity outlet aperture is formed proximate the back wall and is in fluid communication with the cavity outlet aperture, via the interior thrust cavity.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent ApplicationSer. No. 62/133,305, filed Mar. 14, 2015, the entire disclosure of whichis incorporated herein by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTINGCOMPACT DISC APPENDIX

Not Applicable.

NOTICE OF COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL

The disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subjectto copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to thereproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure,as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records,but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. Unless otherwisenoted, all trademarks and service marks identified herein are owned bythe applicant.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 1. Field of the Disclosed Embodiments

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of fluid-propelledvehicles. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a waveforce multiplying or wave propelled vehicle.

2. Description of Related Art

There are presently a number of surfboards and surfboard styles. Someare better suited for certain types of surfers, while others are moresuited for certain types of wave conditions. Typical surfboard designsinclude similar components or elements. The nose is typically the frontportion of the surfboard and is meant to be out of the water. The nosecan either be pointed or rounded, depending on the type of surfboard.The upper part of the surfboard, where the surfer lies while paddling orstands while surfing is referred to as the deck.

The rear of the board is typically referred to as the tail. Like thenose, the tail can come in a number of different shapes. The shape ofthe tail typically determines the ability of the board to turn. Theedges of the board, which extend from the top portion, or nose, to thebottom portion, or tail, are known as the rails.

Foam boards typically include a stringer that comprises a portion ofstrengthening material (typically a thin piece of wood) that extendsfrom the nose to the tail. The stringer provides strength and/orrigidity to the board. Certain epoxy, soft boards, and carbon fibersurfboards do not include a stringer.

According to recent statistics, there are approximately 3.5 millionsurfers in the United States. There were approximately 26 millionsurfers worldwide in 2001 and 35 million surfers worldwide as of 2011.Growth in the surfing community has been predominately from peoplebetween the ages of 35-35.

The average surfer in the U.S. is 33 years of age, with a collegeeducation or higher, is employed full-time, earns an income between$50,000 and $70,000, owns an average of 3 surfboards, and visits thebeach 100 times each year.

The surf industry boasts $7.29 billion annually in surf hard goods andrevenue from surfboards alone is $1.56 billion per year. The averageboard is designed for a rider weighing 100 lbs.

Surfing is no longer just a young person's sport. With a current averageage of 33, and industry growth coming from the 30+ crowd, there has beena shift to make boards lighter and thicker to carry larger surfers.

Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles, or thelike, which has been included in the present specification is not to betaken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of theprior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant tothe present disclosure as it existed before the priority date of eachclaim of this application.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSED EMBODIMENTS

Particularly with the shift in board design to accommodate largersurfers, surfers must be able to paddle the board fast enough to matchtheir speed with the wave speed in order to catch the wave. To date,there has been no non-mechanical solution to this problem.

The features and elements of the present disclosure address certainshortcomings of the present surfboard designs by providing one or morerecesses, openings, or channels proximate the back end, or tail, of thesurfboard. In various exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments, unique foilshaped cavities serve to increase the speed of the water as it ischanneled into the board. These cavities, in turn, transfer the power ofthe wave into thrust (or push) inside the board.

As a result, the surfer will not need to paddle as hard or as fast inorder to match the speed of the wave. Therefore, in an hour-long sessionin which a surfer might typically catch a wave or two before tiring out,a surfer using a wave-propelled surfboard of the present design might beable to catch 6 to 10 waves. Catching more waves means more fun, and theability to develop surfing skills more quickly. With no mechanical partsto rely on to create thrust, the boards will be cost comparable tostandard boards and allow more people to enjoy the sport of surfing andsurfers to enjoy catching more waves.

The features and elements of the present disclosure allow the naturalpower of the wave to be captured by the wave-propelled surfboard toproduce thrust, which allows the wave-propelled surfboard to match wavespeed more easily, thus allowing beginner/intermediate surfers to catchmore waves and have more fun. This is a non-mechanical solution toproviding thrust, using the wave and the natural, kinetic energy of thewave to produce that thrust.

In various exemplary, non-limiting embodiments, the wave-propelledsurfboard of the present disclosure comprises a wave-propelled orfluid-propelled vehicle, having a body extending from a nose portion toa tail portion and having a middle portion disposed between the noseportion and the tail portion; and at least one interior thrust cavityformed within at least a portion of the body, wherein each interiorthrust cavity extends from a cavity inlet aperture formed proximate thetail portion to a back wall. A cavity outlet aperture may optionally beassociated with each thrust cavity, such that each cavity outletaperture is formed proximate the back wall and is in fluid communicationwith the cavity outlet aperture, via the interior thrust cavity.

In various exemplary, non-limiting embodiments, the wave-propelledsurfboard of the present disclosure comprises a wave-propelled orfluid-propelled vehicle, having a body extending from a nose portion toa tail portion and having a middle portion disposed between the noseportion and the tail portion; at least one thrust cavity assembly recessformed proximate the tail portion, wherein the at least one thrustcavity assembly recesses extends from an end of the body; and at leastone thrust cavity assembly, wherein the at least one thrust cavityassembly is formed so as to be at least partially positioned within theat least one thrust cavity assembly recess, and wherein the at least onethrust cavity assembly includes an interior thrust cavity extending froma cavity inlet aperture and defined by at least a back wall, an uppersurface wall, a lower surface wall.

In various exemplary, non-limiting embodiments, the wave-propelledsurfboard of the present disclosure comprises a wave-propelled surfboardbody having an elongate, buoyant, planing hull, extending from a noseportion to a tail portion, and having a middle portion disposed betweenthe nose portion and the tail portion. One or more thrust cavitiesextend within the surfboard body, from a rear portion of thewave-propelled surfboard, beginning proximate the tail portion, towardthe middle portion. Each thrust cavity includes one or more interiorwalls extending from a cavity aperture formed proximate the rear portionand defining the cavity. Each thrust cavity extends forward to a backwall or endpoint proximate the front of the thrust cavity.

In various exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments, the wave-propelledsurfboard of the present disclosure comprises a planing hull having aflat or concave bottom contour so as to allow the surfboard to plane ontop of the water. In this manner, the hull design allows thewave-propelled surfboard to move on top of water at relatively highspeeds. In certain exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments, the wave-beltsurfboard is relatively flat proximate the tail.

Alternatively, the wave-propelled surfboard may optionally comprise adisplacement hull, having a belly, or convex, bottom contour and/orplaning surface. In still other exemplary embodiments, thewave-propelled surfboard may optionally comprise a semi-displacementhull, a semi-planing hull, or a modified transitional displacement hull.

In certain exemplary embodiments, standard fins are optionally included,which extend downward from a bottom of the wave-propelled surfboard.

In various exemplary, non-limiting embodiments, the wave-propelledsurfboard of the present disclosure comprises a wave-propelled surfboardbody having an elongate, buoyant, planing hull, extending from a noseportion to a tail portion, and having a middle portion disposed betweenthe nose portion and the tail portion. One or more stabilizer/thrustrails extend from a bottom of the wave-propelled surfboard, beginningproximate the nose portion and/or the middle portion and extending tothe tail portion. The one or more stabilizer/thrust rails include one ormore interior walls defining a cavity formed from a rear of thestabilizer/thrust rail, making the stabilizer/thrust rail extend forwardfrom a hollow portion to a back wall or endpoint proximate the front ofthe stabilizer/thrust rail.

The one or more stabilizer/thrust rails provide extra stability ontake-off and allow water from a wave to enter with no escape point. Theforce of the water entering the cavity of the stabilizer/thrust rail andimpacting a surface of the back wall or endpoint produces thrust or“pushes” the wave-propelled surfboard, using the wave's kinetic energy.

The stabilizer/thrust rails also operate as a fin or fins for thewave-propelled surfboard, allowing the board to be maneuvered on thewave.

While a single stabilizer/thrust rail may be utilized, in variousexemplary embodiments, to stabilizer/thrust rails extend from the bottomof the wave-propelled surfboard.

In certain exemplary embodiments, a third, standard center fin isoptionally included between the stabilizer/thrust rails to produce athruster set up.

Accordingly, the presently disclosed embodiments provide awave-propelled surfboard that allows a volume of water from a wave toenter one or more cavities to produce thrust for the wave-propelledsurfboard.

The presently disclosed embodiments separately provide a wave-propelledsurfboard that utilizes kinetic energy from a wave to produce thrust.

The presently disclosed embodiments separately provide a wave-propelledsurfboard that provides a non-mechanical solution to providing thrust toa surfboard.

The presently disclosed embodiments separately provide a wave-propelledsurfboard that can be easily ridden by a surfer.

These and other aspects, features, and advantages of the presentdisclosure are described in or are apparent from the following detaileddescription of the exemplary, non-limiting embodiments of the presentdisclosure and the accompanying Figures. Other aspects and features ofembodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent to those ofordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the following description ofspecific, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure in concertwith the Figures. While features of the present disclosure may bediscussed relative to certain embodiments and Figures, all embodimentsof the present disclosure can include one or more of the featuresdiscussed herein. Further, while one or more embodiments may bediscussed as having certain advantageous features, one or more of suchfeatures may also be used with the various embodiments of theembodiments discussed herein. In similar fashion, while exemplaryembodiments may be discussed below as device, system, or methodembodiments, it is to be understood that such exemplary embodiments canbe implemented in various devices, systems, and methods of the presentdisclosure.

Any benefits, advantages, or solutions to problems that are describedherein with regard to specific embodiments are not intended to beconstrued as a critical, required, or essential feature(s) or element(s)of the present disclosure or the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

As required, detailed exemplary embodiments of the present disclosureare disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosedembodiments are merely exemplary and that the present disclosure may beembodied in various and alternative forms, within the scope of thepresent disclosure. The Figures are not necessarily to scale; somefeatures may be exaggerated or minimized to illustrate details ofparticular components. Therefore, specific structural and functionaldetails disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, butmerely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis forteaching one skilled in the art to employ the present disclosure.

The exemplary embodiments of this disclosure will be described indetail, with reference to the following Figures, wherein like referencenumerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a rear, perspective view of a first exemplaryembodiment of the wave-propelled surfboard, according to thisdisclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of the first exemplary embodiment of thewave-propelled surfboard, according to this disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates a rear view of the wave-propelled surfboard,according to this disclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of an exemplary embodiment of thewave-propelled surfboard, according to this disclosure;

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of an exemplary embodiment of thewave-propelled surfboard, according to this disclosure;

FIG. 6 illustrates a bottom view of an exemplary embodiment of thewave-propelled surfboard, according to this disclosure;

FIG. 7 illustrates a right side view of an exemplary embodiment of thewave-propelled surfboard, according to this disclosure;

FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view, taken along line 8-8 of FIG.5, of an exemplary embodiment of the wave-propelled surfboard, accordingto this disclosure;

FIG. 9 illustrates a left side view of an exemplary embodiment of thewave-propelled surfboard, according to this disclosure;

FIG. 10 illustrates a rear view of an exemplary embodiment of thewave-propelled surfboard, according to this disclosure;

FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional view, taken along line 11-11 ofFIG. 7, of an exemplary embodiment of the wave-propelled surfboard,according to this disclosure;

FIG. 12 illustrates a rear view of an exemplary embodiment of thewave-propelled surfboard, according to this disclosure;

FIG. 13 illustrates a right side cross-sectional view of an exemplaryembodiment of the wave-propelled surfboard, according to thisdisclosure;

FIG. 14 illustrates a bottom cross-sectional view of an exemplaryembodiment of the wave-propelled surfboard, according to thisdisclosure;

FIG. 15 illustrates a rear view of an exemplary embodiment of thewave-propelled surfboard, according to this disclosure;

FIG. 16 illustrates a rear view of an exemplary embodiment of thewave-propelled surfboard, according to this disclosure;

FIG. 17 illustrates a bottom cross-sectional view of an exemplaryembodiment of the wave-propelled surfboard, according to thisdisclosure;

FIG. 18 illustrates a top view of an exemplary embodiment of thewave-propelled surfboard, according to this disclosure;

FIG. 19 illustrates a bottom view of an exemplary embodiment of thewave-propelled surfboard, according to this disclosure;

FIG. 20 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view, taken along line20-20 of FIG. 18, of an exemplary embodiment of the wave-propelledsurfboard, according to this disclosure;

FIG. 21 illustrates a partial bottom view of an exemplary embodiment ofthe wave-propelled surfboard, wherein the optional wall inserts are notyet installed in the wave-propelled surfboard, according to thisdisclosure;

FIG. 22 illustrates a partial bottom view of an exemplary embodiment ofthe wave-propelled surfboard, wherein the optional wall inserts areinstalled in the wave-propelled surfboard, according to this disclosure;

FIG. 23 illustrates a rear cross-sectional view of an exemplaryembodiment of the wave-propelled surfboard, wherein the optional wallinserts are not yet installed in the wave-propelled surfboard, accordingto this disclosure;

FIG. 24 illustrates a rear cross-sectional view of an exemplaryembodiment of the wave-propelled surfboard, wherein the optional wallinserts are installed in the wave-propelled surfboard, according to thisdisclosure;

FIG. 25 illustrates a top view of an exemplary embodiment of thewave-propelled surfboard, according to this disclosure;

FIG. 26 illustrates a bottom view of an exemplary embodiment of thewave-propelled surfboard, according to this disclosure;

FIG. 27 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of athrust cavity assembly, according to this disclosure;

FIG. 28 illustrates a bottom view of an exemplary embodiment of a thrustcavity assembly, according to this disclosure;

FIG. 29 illustrates a rear view of an exemplary embodiment of a thrustcavity assembly, according to this disclosure;

FIG. 30 illustrates a partial, right side cross-sectional view of anexemplary embodiment of the wave-propelled surfboard, wherein theoptional thrust cavity assembly is not yet installed in thewave-propelled surfboard, according to this disclosure;

FIG. 31 illustrates a partial, right side cross-sectional view of anexemplary embodiment of the wave-propelled surfboard, wherein theoptional thrust cavity assembly is installed in the wave-propelledsurfboard, according to this disclosure;

FIG. 32 illustrates a left side view of an exemplary embodiment of thewave-propelled surfboard, according to this disclosure;

FIG. 33 illustrates a rear view of an exemplary embodiment of thewave-propelled surfboard, according to this disclosure; and

FIG. 34 illustrates a rear view of an exemplary embodiment of thewave-propelled surfboard, according to this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSED EMBODIMENTS

For simplicity and clarification, the design factors and operatingprinciples of the wave-propelled surfboard according to this disclosureare explained with reference to various exemplary embodiments of awave-propelled surfboard according to this disclosure. The basicexplanation of the design factors and operating principles of thewave-propelled surfboard is applicable for the understanding, design,and operation of the wave-propelled surfboard of this disclosure. Itshould be appreciated that the wave-propelled surfboard can be adaptedto many applications where a wave-propelled surfboard or strap can beused.

As used herein, the word “may” is meant to convey a permissive sense(i.e., meaning “having the potential to”), rather than a mandatory sense(i.e., meaning “must”). Unless stated otherwise, terms such as “first”and “second” are used to arbitrarily distinguish between the elementssuch terms describe. Thus, these terms are not necessarily intended toindicate temporal or other prioritization of such elements.

The term “coupled”, as used herein, is defined as connected, althoughnot necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. The terms“a” and “an” are defined as one or more unless stated otherwise.

Throughout this application, the terms “comprise” (and any form ofcomprise, such as “comprises” and “comprising”), “have” (and any form ofhave, such as “has” and “having”), “include”, (and any form of include,such as “includes” and “including”) and “contain” (and any form ofcontain, such as “contains” and “containing”) are used as open-endedlinking verbs. It will be understood that these terms are meant to implythe inclusion of a stated element, integer, step, or group of elements,integers, or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer,step, or group of elements, integers, or steps. As a result, a system,method, or apparatus that “comprises”, “has”, “includes”, or “contains”one or more elements possesses those one or more elements but is notlimited to possessing only those one or more elements. Similarly, amethod or process that “comprises”, “has”, “includes” or “contains” oneor more operations possesses those one or more operations but is notlimited to possessing only those one or more operations.

It should also be appreciated that the terms “wave-propelled”,“wave-propelled surfboard”, “surfboard body”, and “surfboard” are usedfor basic explanation and understanding of the operation of the systems,methods, and apparatuses of this disclosure. Therefore, the terms“wave-propelled”, “wave-propelled surfboard”, “surfboard body”, and“surfboard” are not to be construed as limiting the systems, methods,and apparatuses of this disclosure. For example, while the presentdisclosure is described as being utilized in conjunction with variousexemplary embodiments of a surfboard, it should be appreciated that thefeatures of the present disclosure may be utilized in conjunction withvarious exemplary embodiments of a fluid-propelled vehicle, including,for example, a surfboard (including, but not limited to shortboards,longboards, fish-style surfboards, or gun-style surfboards), boogieboard, body board, paddleboard, kayaks, canoes, jet skis, and otherpowered or non-powered wave riding or recreational vehicles.

Turning now to the drawing Figs., FIGS. 1-17 illustrate certain optionalelements and/or aspects of certain exemplary embodiments of thewave-propelled surfboard 100, according to this disclosure. FIGS. 18-24illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a wave-propelled surfboard200, while FIGS. 25-31 illustrate yet another exemplary embodiment ofthe wave-propelled surfboard 300, and while FIGS. 32-34 illustrate yetanother exemplary embodiment of the wave-propelled surfboard 400,according to this disclosure.

In illustrative, non-limiting embodiment(s) of this disclosure, asillustrated in FIGS. 1-17, the wave-propelled surfboard 100 comprises awave-propelled surfboard body 105 having an elongate, at least partiallyor completely buoyant hull, extending from a nose portion 107 to a tailportion 109 and extending to opposing side rails 117. A middle portion115 is disposed between the nose portion 107 and the tail portion 109.In various exemplary embodiments, depending upon the construction of thesurfboard 100, a stringer 119 may also be included within the surfboardbody 105, extending from the tail portion 109 to the nose portion 107.

In various exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments, the surfboard body 105comprises a planing hull having a substantially flat or concave bottomcontour. In certain exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments, the bottom 112of the surfboard body 105 is relatively flat proximate the tail. Itshould be appreciated that the surfboard body 105 may alternativelycomprise a hull having a relative belly, “V”, channel/hall, tri-plane,hydroplane, or other bottom contour.

Alternatively, the wave-propelled surfboard 100 may comprise adisplacement hull, having a belly, or convex, bottom contour and/orplaning surface. In still other exemplary embodiments, thewave-propelled surfboard 100 may comprise a semi-displacement hull, asemi-planing hull, or a modified transitional displacement hull.

The rails 117 may optionally have an edge that is hard, soft, tuckedunder, down or down-turned, round, rolled, egg, 50/50, 60/40, or thelike.

In various exemplary embodiments, the rear of the tail portion 109 issubstantially straight or square. Alternatively, the tail portion 109may include wings, bumps, or steps and the rear of the tail portion 109may comprise a rounded pin, a pin, a round, a diamond, a roundeddiamond, a square, a rounded square, a squash, a star, a swallow, anasymmetrical, or other profile.

Thus, it should be appreciated that the overall size, shape, and/orprofile of the wave-propelled surfboard 100 is a design choice basedupon the desired appearance and/or functionality of the wave-propelledsurfboard 100.

One or more interior thrust cavities 130 extend within at least aportion of the surfboard body 105. Each interior thrust cavity 130extends from a cavity inlet aperture 132 formed proximate the rearportion or the rear of the tail portion 109, and extends toward themiddle portion 115, within the surfboard body 105. Each interior thrustcavity 130 is defined by one or more interior walls that extend from thecavity inlet aperture 132 to a back wall 133 or endpoint proximate afront of the interior thrust cavity 130. The back wall 133 createsadditional thrust for the wave-propelled surfboard 100. In certainexemplary embodiments, the back wall 133 may comprise a closed,substantially rounded back wall 133. Alternatively, the back wall 133may comprise a substantially flat or planar surface that may be formedsubstantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis, A_(L) of thewave-propelled surfboard 100 or at an acute or obtuse angle relative tothe longitudinal axis, A_(L) of the wave-propelled surfboard 100.

In various exemplary embodiments, the cavity inlet apertures 132 arepositioned proximate an upper, top portion or the deck 110 of thewave-propelled surfboard 100, so that little or no drag is created atthe rear of the wave-propelled surfboard 100 by the interior thrustcavities 130 or the cavity inlet apertures 132.

When viewed from the rear, as illustrated in FIGS. 3, 10, and 12, eachof the cavity inlet apertures 132 may comprise a substantially roundedaperture or a truncated or elongated teardrop shaped aperture. Theoverall size of each of the cavity inlet apertures 132 may be altereddepending on the desired volume of fluid that is to be allowed into theinterior thrust cavities 130 and the rate at which the desired volume offluid is to flow into the interior thrust cavities 130. It should beunderstood and appreciated that the size, shape, and placement of eachof the cavity inlet apertures 132 is a design choice, based upon thedesired appearance and/or functionality of the cavity inlet apertures132.

In certain exemplary embodiments, the interior thrust cavities 130 aresized and shaped so as to allow water from a wave to enter through thecavity inlet apertures 132. As water from the wave enters through thecavity inlet apertures 132, the water is directed through the interiorthrust cavities 130 toward the back wall 133. When the force of theentering water impacts the back wall 133, the impact creates thrust thatis transferred to the surfboard body 105, providing additional thrust tothe wave-propelled surfboard 100.

As illustrated most clearly in FIG. 8, when viewed from the side, theinterior thrust cavities 130 may optionally comprise an overallaerodynamic or airfoil shape. In certain exemplary, nonlimitingembodiments, the upper surface wall 136 of the interior thrust cavity130 may be more convex than the lower surface wall 137 of the interiorthrust cavity 130. Alternatively, the interior thrust cavities 130 mayoptionally comprise an overall expanding or contracting shape, a conicalshape, or may optionally comprise a substantially open-ended,rectangular shape, having substantially parallel upper surface walls 136and lower surface walls 137.

Similarly, as illustrated most clearly in FIG. 12, when viewed from thetop, the interior thrust cavities 130 may have an overall expandingshape. Alternatively, the interior thrust cavities 130 may have anoverall contracting shape, conical shape, or may have substantiallyparallel side surface walls.

During use, the force of the water or fluid entering the interior thrustcavities 130 and impacting a surface of the back wall 133 producesthrust that urges or “pushes” the wave-propelled surfboard 100 forward,capturing and utilizing the wave's kinetic energy.

In various exemplary embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 13-15, theinterior thrust cavities 130 each include one or more obstacles 139 suchas, for example, one or more bumps formed proximate the cavity inletapertures 132. Each obstacle 139 comprises at least one bump, lump,hump, bulge, protuberance, or area, which is raised above a level of thesurrounding surface of the lower surface wall 137. Alternatively, eachobstacle 139 may optionally comprise a textured area or a series ofraised fins or other portions to disturb water as it enters into theinterior thrust cavity 130.

While the obstacle 139 is illustrated as being formed in the lowersurface wall 137 of the interior thrust cavity 130, it should beappreciated that the obstacle 139 may optionally be created in the lowersurface wall 137, the upper surface wall 136, for both surface walls ofthe interior thrust cavity 130. By including one or more obstacles 139proximate the cavity inlet aperture 132, it is possible to create aVenturi, half-Venturi, or stream tube-pinching effect within the openinterior thrust cavity 130.

Thus, the one or more obstacles 139 act as an obstruction or impedimentto the flow of water entering the interior thrust cavity 130. As aresult, the flow of fluid over the upper surface wall 136 and lowersurface wall 137 is “pinched” and, as a result of the stream tubemass-flux conservation or the Venturi effect, the velocity of the fluidis increased. This increase in fluid allows the water to impact the backwall 133 with greater velocity and force.

In certain exemplary embodiments, standard fins 120 are optionallyincluded, which extend downward from a bottom 112 of the wave-propelledsurfboard 100. The fins 120, if included, may be positioned at desiredangles relative to the longitudinal axis, A_(L), of the wave-propelledsurfboard 100 and/or the bottom plane of the wave-propelled surfboard100.

FIGS. 16-17 illustrate another exemplary embodiment of certaincomponents of the wave-propelled surfboard 100′, according to thisdisclosure. As shown in FIGS. 16-17, the wave-propelled surfboard 100′,the interior thrust cavities 130 are merged into a single interiorthrust cavity 130′ having a single cavity inlet aperture 132′, a backwall 133′, an upper surface wall 136′ (not labeled), and a lower surfacewall 137′. It should be understood that one or more obstacles 139′ mayoptionally be included within the cavity inlet aperture 132′, but aremerely optional and are not required. It should be appreciated that thesingle interior thrust cavity 130′ is formed so as to have the same orsimilar features and elements as the one or more interior thrustcavities 130 of the wave-propelled surfboard 100′ of FIGS. 1-15.

FIGS. 18-24 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of certain components ofa wave-propelled surfboard 200, according to this disclosure. As shownin FIGS. 18-24, the wave-propelled surfboard 200 comprises at least someof a wave-propelled surfboard body 205 extending from a nose portion 207to a tail portion 209, a deck 210, a bottom 212, a middle portion 215,opposing side rails 217, a stringer 219, optional fins 220, one or moreinterior thrust cavities 230, each extending from a cavity inletaperture 232 and defined by at least a back wall 233, an upper surfacewall 236, a lower surface wall 237, and an optional obstacle 239optionally formed within each thrust cavity 230.

It should be understood and appreciated that the general construction ofthe wave-propelled surfboard 200 may optionally be similar to that ofthe wave-propelled surfboard 100, as described with reference to inFIGS. 1-17 and that each of these elements of the wave-propelledsurfboard 200 may optionally correspond to and operate similarly to thewave-propelled surfboard body 105, the nose portion 107, the tailportion 109, the deck 110, the bottom 112, the middle portion 115, theopposing side rails 117, the stringer 119, the optional fins 120, theone or more interior thrust cavities 130, the cavity inlet aperture(s)132, the back wall 133, the upper surface wall 136, the lower surfacewall 137, and the optional obstacle(s) 139, as described above withreference to the wave-propelled surfboard 100 of FIGS. 1-17.

However, as shown in FIGS. 18-24, each of the interior thrust cavities230 of the wave-propelled surfboard 200 includes a cavity outletaperture 238 formed proximate the back wall 233. Thus, as water entersthe interior thrust cavities 230, through the cavity inlet apertures232, the water is directed through the interior thrust cavities 230toward the back wall 233. When the force of the entering water impactsthe back wall 233, the impact creates thrust that is transferred to thesurfboard body 205, providing additional thrust to the wave-propelledsurfboard 200. Then, as water continues to enter the interior thrustcavities 230, the water is directed downward by the back wall 233 andout of the cavity outlet apertures 238.

In addition, water is also able to enter through the cavity outletapertures 238, passed through the interior thrust cavities 230, and exitthrough the cavity inlet apertures 232. In this manner, when a rider ispaddling against the current, coming up the front portion of the wave,water may pass through the cavity outlet apertures 238 formed throughthe bottom 212 and out the cavity inlet apertures 232, releasingpositive pressure on the bottom 212, allowing wave-propelled surfboard200 to fall down the face of the wave with much less effort. Once thewave-propelled surfboard 200 is on the wave, the water flow reversesdirection and flows through the cavity inlet apertures 232, into theinterior thrust cavities 230 and out of the cavity outlet apertures 238,thereby creating thrust for the wave-propelled surfboard 200.

In various exemplary embodiments, a beveled or sloped wall portion 235is formed at least between a portion of the rear end of thewave-propelled surfboard 200 and each of the one or more cavity outletapertures 238. If included, the sloped wall portion 235 may reduce dragon the bottom 212 and allow water to more easily flow into or out of thecavity outlet apertures 238. In various exemplary embodiments, thesloped wall portion 235 is formed at an angle of approximately 15°relative to a bottom surface portion of the lower surface wall 237.

In certain exemplary embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 21-24, eachinterior thrust cavity 230 may optionally be formed by creating acompound recess in the bottom 212 of the wave-propelled surfboard 200.The compound recess includes at least some of the upper surface wall236, side walls, and the back wall 233. The compound recess furtherincludes shoulders 231 that extend beyond the side walls of the interiorthrust cavity 230. A wall insert 234 is formed so as to be fitted atopthe shoulders 231. When appropriately fitted atop the shoulders 231, atop surface of the wall insert 234 forms the lower surface wall 237 ofthe interior thrust cavity 230.

The overall length of the wall insert 234 may be altered to determinethe length of the cavity outlet aperture 238 of the interior thrustcavity 230. The wall insert 234 may optionally include the sloped wallportion 235 to facilitate the flow of water into or out of the cavityoutlet aperture 238.

By utilizing the wall insert 234, production of the wave-propelledsurfboard 200 may be simplified. Depending on the desired overall sizeand shape of the interior thrust cavity 230 (and the accompanying wallinsert 234), it may be more efficient to form the compound recess in thewave-propelled surfboard 200 (from the bottom 212 or the rear of thewave-propelled surfboard 200) and subsequently affix the wall insert 234than to form the interior thrust cavity 230 only from the rear of thewave-propelled surfboard 200.

It should also be understood and appreciated that while the compoundrecess is illustrated as having been formed from the bottom 212 and thewall insert 234 being affixed to the bottom 212, this is an optional andnot a required configuration. Therefore, it should be understood andappreciated that the compound recess may be formed from the top or deck210 and the wall insert 234 may be affixed to the top or deck 210 of thewave-propelled surfboard 200.

FIGS. 25-31 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of certain components ofa wave-propelled surfboard 300, according to this disclosure. As shownin FIGS. 25-31, the wave-propelled surfboard 300 comprises at least someof a wave-propelled surfboard body 305 extending from a nose portion 307to a tail portion 309, a deck 310, a bottom 312, a middle portion 315,opposing side rails 317, a stringer 319, and optional fins 320.

It should be understood and appreciated that the general construction ofthe wave-propelled surfboard 300 may optionally be similar to that ofthe wave-propelled surfboard 100, as described with reference to inFIGS. 1-17 and that each of these elements of the wave-propelledsurfboard 300 may optionally correspond to and operate similarly to thewave-propelled surfboard body 105, the nose portion 107, the tailportion 109, the deck 110, the bottom 112, the middle portion 115, theopposing side rails 117, the stringer 119, and the optional fins 120, asdescribed above with reference to the wave-propelled surfboard 100 ofFIGS. 1-17.

However, as shown in FIGS. 25-31, two thrust cavity assembly recesses340 are formed proximate the tail portion 309. The thrust cavityassembly recesses 340 extend from an end of the wave-propelled surfboard300, toward the middle portion 315 and are each formed so as to receivea thrust cavity assembly 345 therein. As illustrated most clearly inFIGS. 27-31, each thrust cavity assembly 345 includes an interior thrustcavity 330 extending from a cavity inlet aperture 332 and defined by atleast a back wall 333, an upper surface wall 336, a lower surface wall337, and an optional obstacle 339 (not shown) optionally formed withineach thrust cavity 330.

As illustrated most clearly in FIGS. 30-31, the inclusion of the thrustcavity assembly recess 340, allows for a relatively simple installationof the thrust cavity assembly 345 within the wave-propelled surfboard300. Thus, a plurality of thrust cavity assembly 345 (or a variety ofthrust cavity assemblies 345) can be manufactured and assembled withinwave-propelled surfboards 300. In this manner, thrust cavity assemblies345 having varying characteristics can easily be mixed and matched witha variety of wave-propelled surfboards 300 to provide a finished producthaving a desired appearance and/or functionality.

It should be appreciated that while the wave-propelled surfboard 300 isshown and described as having two thrust cavity assembly recesses 340,this is merely exemplary not limiting the present disclosure. Therefore,it should be appreciated and understood that a single thrust cavityassembly recess may be provided so as to receive a single thrust cavityassembly, having a desired size, shape, and feature set. Additionally,it should also be understood and appreciated that while the thrustcavity assembly recesses 340 are illustrated as having been formed fromthe bottom 312 and the thrust cavity assemblies 345 being affixed fromthe bottom 312, this is an optional and not a required configuration.Therefore, it should be understood and appreciated that the thrustcavity assembly recesses 340 may be formed from the top or deck 310 andthe thrust cavity assembly 345 may be affixed to the top or deck 310 ofthe wave-propelled surfboard 300.

FIGS. 42-34 illustrate another exemplary embodiment of certaincomponents of a wave-propelled surfboard 400, according to thisdisclosure. As shown in FIGS. 42-34, the wave-propelled surfboard 400comprises a wave-propelled surfboard body 405 extending from a noseportion 407 to a tail portion 409, and having a deck 410, a bottom 412,a middle portion 415, opposing side rails 417, a stringer 419, and theoptional fins 420. It should be understood and appreciated that thegeneral construction of the surfboard body 405 may optionally be similarto that of the surfboard body 105 described with reference to in FIGS.1-17.

However, as shown in FIGS. 42-34, the wave-propelled surfboard 400includes one or more stabilizer/thrust fins 450 that extend from abottom 412 of the wave-propelled surfboard 400. Typically, twostabilizer/thrust fins 450 are included and are spaced equal distancefrom the stringer 419 or centerline of the wave-propelled surfboard 400.However, in certain exemplary embodiments, a single stabilizer/thrustrail 417 may be included that is aligned along the stringer 419 orcenterline of the surfboard body 405.

In various exemplary embodiments, the stabilizer/thrust fins 450 beginto extend from the bottom 412 of the wave-propelled surfboard 400proximate the nose portion 407 and/or the middle portion 415 and extendrearward, to the tail portion 409 or rear portion of the wave-propelledsurfboard 400. The stabilizer/thrust fins 450 may optionally extend toand merge with fins 420 or fin elements formed proximate the tailportion 409 of the wave-propelled surfboard 400.

The one or more stabilizer/thrust fins 450 include one or more interiorwalls defining a stabilizer/thrust fin cavity 430 formed from a rear ofthe stabilizer/thrust rail 417. Thus, the stabilizer/thrust rail(s) 417extend forward from a hollow or cavity portion to a back wall 433proximate the front of the stabilizer/thrust rail 417.

During use, the one or more stabilizer/thrust fins 450 provide extrastability on take-off and allow water from a wave to enter with noescape point. The force of the water entering the stabilizer/thrust fincavity 430 of the stabilizer/thrust rail 417 and impacting a surface ofthe back wall 433 produces thrust or “pushes” the wave-propelledsurfboard 400, using the wave's kinetic energy.

In certain exemplary embodiments, the stabilizer/thrust fins 450 may bepositioned at desired angles relative to the longitudinal axis, A_(L),of the wave-propelled surfboard 400 and/or the bottom plane of thewave-propelled surfboard 400. Thus, as illustrated most clearly in FIG.33, the stabilizer/thrust fins 450 may optionally extend at an angle ofapproximately −30° relative to a horizontal plane of the wave-propelledsurfboard 400. In other embodiments, the stabilizer/thrust fins 450 mayoptionally extend at an angle of between approximately −20° and −30°relative to the horizontal plane of the wave-propelled surfboard 400.

Because of the size and shape of the stabilizer/thrust fins 450, thestabilizer/thrust fins 450 operate as a fin or fins for thewave-propelled surfboard 400, allowing the wave-propelled surfboard 400to be more easily maneuvered on the wave.

In certain exemplary embodiments, at least one additional, standard fin420 is optionally included between the stabilizer/thrust fins 450. Incertain exemplary embodiments, the standard fin 420 extends downwardfrom a bottom 412 of the wave-propelled surfboard 400 and may bepositioned at any desired angle relative to the longitudinal axis,A_(L), of the wave-propelled surfboard 400 and/or the bottom plane ofthe wave-propelled surfboard 400.

While the present disclosure has been described in conjunction with theexemplary embodiments outlined above, the foregoing description ofexemplary embodiments, as set forth above, are intended to beillustrative, not limiting and the fundamental disclosure should not beconsidered to be necessarily so constrained. It is evident that thepresent disclosure is not limited to the particular variation set forthand many alternatives, adaptations modifications, and/or variations willbe apparent to those skilled in the art.

Furthermore, where a range of values is provided, it is understood thatevery intervening value, between the upper and lower limit of that rangeand any other stated or intervening value in that stated range isencompassed within the present disclosure. The upper and lower limits ofthese smaller ranges may independently be included in the smaller rangesand is also encompassed within the disclosure, subject to anyspecifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated rangeincludes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both ofthose included limits are also included in the disclosure.

It is to be understood that the phraseology of terminology employedherein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Unlessdefined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein havethe same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in theart to which this disclosure belongs.

In addition, it is contemplated that any optional feature of theinventive variations described herein may be set forth and claimedindependently, or in combination with any one or more of the featuresdescribed herein.

Accordingly, the foregoing description of exemplary embodiments willreveal the general nature of the disclosure, such that others may, byapplying current knowledge, change, vary, modify, and/or adapt theseexemplary, non-limiting embodiments for various applications withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the disclosure and elements ormethods similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used inpracticing the present disclosure. Any and all such changes, variations,modifications, and/or adaptations should and are intended to becomprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of thedisclosed exemplary embodiments and may be substituted without departingfrom the true spirit and scope of the disclosure.

Also, it is noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, thesingular forms “a”, “and”, “said”, and “the” include plural referentsunless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Conversely, it iscontemplated that the claims may be so-drafted to require singularelements or exclude any optional element indicated to be so here in thetext or drawings. This statement is intended to serve as antecedentbasis for use of such exclusive terminology as “solely”, “only”, and thelike in connection with the recitation of claim elements or the use of a“negative” claim limitation(s).

What is claimed is:
 1. A fluid-propelled vehicle: a body extending froma nose portion to a tail portion and having a middle portion disposedbetween the nose portion and the tail portion; and at least one interiorthrust cavity formed within at least a portion of the body, wherein eachinterior thrust cavity extends from a cavity inlet aperture formedproximate the tail portion to a back wall.
 2. The fluid-propelledvehicle of claim 1, wherein the fluid-propelled vehicle comprises asurfboard, a shortboard, a longboard, a fish-style surfboard, agun-style surfboard, a boogie board, a body board, a paddleboard, akayak, a canoe, a jet ski, or a powered or non-powered wave riding orwatercraft.
 3. The fluid-propelled vehicle of claim 1, wherein twointerior thrust cavities are formed within at least a portion of thebody.
 4. The fluid-propelled vehicle of claim 1, wherein a singleinterior thrust cavity is formed within at least a portion of the body,wherein the single interior thrust cavity extends from a single cavityinlet aperture.
 5. The fluid-propelled vehicle of claim 1, wherein asingle interior thrust cavity is formed within at least a portion of thebody, and wherein the single interior thrust cavity extends from two ormore cavity inlet apertures.
 6. The fluid-propelled vehicle of claim 1,wherein a rear of the tail portion is substantially straight, square,rounded pin, a pin, a round, a diamond, a rounded diamond, a square, arounded square, a squash, a star, a swallow, or an asymmetrical profile.7. The fluid-propelled vehicle of claim 1, wherein each interior thrustcavity extends toward the middle portion.
 8. The fluid-propelled vehicleof claim 1, wherein each cavity inlet aperture is positioned proximate adeck of the fluid-propelled vehicle.
 9. The fluid-propelled vehicle ofclaim 1, wherein each cavity inlet aperture comprises a substantiallyrounded aperture, a substantially truncated or substantially elongatedteardrop shaped aperture, a substantially rectangular aperture, or asubstantially square aperture.
 10. The fluid-propelled vehicle of claim1, wherein each of the interior thrust cavities includes one or moreobstacles formed therein.
 11. The fluid-propelled vehicle of claim 10,wherein each obstacle comprises an area that is raised above a level ofa surrounding surface.
 12. The fluid-propelled vehicle of claim 1,further comprising a cavity outlet aperture associated with each thrustcavity, wherein the cavity outlet aperture is formed proximate the backwall, and wherein the cavity inlet aperture is in fluid communicationwith the cavity outlet aperture, via the interior thrust cavity.
 13. Afluid-propelled vehicle, comprising: a body extending from a noseportion to a tail portion and having a middle portion disposed betweenthe nose portion and the tail portion; at least one interior thrustcavity formed within at least a portion of the body, wherein eachinterior thrust cavity extends from a cavity inlet aperture formed in arear end of the body and is defined by one or more interior walls thatextend from the cavity inlet aperture to a back wall; and a cavityoutlet aperture associated with each thrust cavity, wherein the cavityoutlet aperture is formed proximate the back wall, and wherein thecavity inlet aperture is in fluid communication with the cavity outletaperture, via the interior thrust cavity.
 14. The fluid-propelledvehicle of claim 13, wherein a beveled or sloped wall portion is formedat least between a portion of the tail portion of the fluid-propelledvehicle and each cavity outlet aperture.
 15. The fluid-propelled vehicleof claim 13, wherein each interior thrust cavity is formed by a compoundrecess having shoulders that extend beyond side walls of interior thrustcavity, and wherein a wall insert is formed so as to be fitted adjacentthe shoulders, such that a surface of the wall insert forms the surfacewall of the interior thrust cavities.
 16. The fluid-propelled vehicle ofclaim 13, wherein the compound recess is formed in a bottom of thefluid-propelled vehicle or a top of the fluid-propelled vehicle.
 17. Afluid-propelled vehicle, comprising: a body extending from a noseportion to a tail portion and having a middle portion disposed betweenthe nose portion and the tail portion; at least one thrust cavityassembly recess formed proximate the tail portion, wherein the at leastone thrust cavity assembly recesses extends from an end of the body; andat least one thrust cavity assembly, wherein the at least one thrustcavity assembly is formed so as to be at least partially positionedwithin the at least one thrust cavity assembly recess, and wherein theat least one thrust cavity assembly includes an interior thrust cavityextending from a cavity inlet aperture and defined by at least a backwall, an upper surface wall, a lower surface wall.
 18. Thefluid-propelled vehicle of claim 17, further comprising a cavity outletaperture associated with each thrust cavity, wherein the cavity outletaperture is formed proximate the back wall, and wherein the cavity inletaperture is in fluid communication with the cavity outlet aperture, viathe interior thrust cavity.
 19. The fluid-propelled vehicle of claim 17,wherein the at least one thrust cavity assembly recess is formed in abottom of the body or in a top of the body.
 20. The fluid-propelledvehicle of claim 17, further comprising at least one obstacle formedwithin each thrust cavity.